GV
God's chosen vessel
3 days ago
MY EXPERIENCE AT HOLIDAY INN — WILSON, NORTH CAROLINA, OFF I-95
As someone who travels frequently for both business and leisure, I spend a significant amount of money on hotel accommodations. I have already spent approximately $15,000 this year, and I expect the same level of professionalism, courtesy, and respect that every paying guest deserves.
Unfortunately, my experience at this Holiday Inn property in Wilson, NC, has been extremely disappointing due to my interactions with an employee named Inez.
I have experienced repeated instances of Inez coming to my room and banging on my door. Today, at approximately 11:30 a.m., she approached my door, told me I was trespassing, told me to get out, and stated that I should not be there.
Let that sink in. Rather than professionally addressing the situation, explaining the property's checkout policy, or discussing whether a late checkout was possible, I was confronted with an employee telling me to leave and that I did not belong there. At no point during this interaction did she offer me a late checkout or attempt to resolve the matter respectfully.
What made this experience even more disturbing was her demeanor and the way she spoke to me. I noticed an odor of alcohol, which concerned me given the nature of the interaction. I cannot confirm whether she had been drinking, but I believe management should take this concern seriously and investigate it appropriately.
Instead of handling the situation privately and professionally, she created a scene in the hallway. As I was going to get a luggage cart, I stated that I deserved to be treated with respect. She continued the exchange and told me, "No, you're not." I responded that, regardless of the circumstances, I am deserving of respect. I specifically requested that the surveillance footage be reviewed so management can assess what occurred.
I contacted IHG to report this incident, and the representative I spoke with heard how I was being addressed.
INEZ, LET ME MAKE SOMETHING VERY CLEAR: JUST BECAUSE I AM AN AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMAN DOES NOT GIVE YOU THE RIGHT TO TREAT ME DISRESPECTFULLY.
You are expected to maintain the same poise, posture, professionalism, and integrity when interacting with every guest, regardless of race, background, or circumstances. No guest should be made to feel unwelcome, humiliated, or spoken to as though they do not belong.
If there was an issue with my checkout time or reservation, it could have been communicated respectfully. Telling a guest to get out, declaring that they are trespassing, and saying they should not be there is not how I expect a hospitality professional to address a situation.
TO HOLIDAY INN AND IHG MANAGEMENT:
I am requesting a formal investigation into this incident, including a review of the available surveillance footage from approximately 11:30 a.m. I also request that management investigate the employee's conduct, address my concerns about the possible odor of alcohol, and provide a formal response regarding the outcome of this complaint.
I have invested approximately $15,000 in travel accommodations this year. I understand that spending money does not make me more deserving of respect than anyone else. However, every guest deserves dignity, fairness, and professional treatment.
An employee's personal attitude should never become a guest's problem. Hospitality requires patience, communication, composure, and integrity. If an employee cannot communicate with guests respectfully, management needs to address that issue through appropriate training and disciplinary procedures.
I hope IHG takes this complaint seriously and reviews the facts before deciding how to proceed. I also hope this incident serves as a reminder that employees representing a respected hotel brand must understand the responsibility that comes with serving the public.
HOSPITALITY IS NOT JUST ABOUT PROVIDING A ROOM. IT IS ABOUT HOW YOU TREAT PEOPLE.
I deserve respect. Every guest deserves respect. And no one should be made to feel as though they do not belong